The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-07-20
Democrats on Reduction Of Taxes.

The St. Louis Republican has ELECTED
expressions on this subject from Demo
cratic members of the Committee of
Ways and Means of the 10th Congress,
together with Mr. Randall, the leader of
the Democratic minority who defeated
the bills for tariff reduction which were
reported in the last and the 4Sth Con-
gress. The Republicans interrogatories
were as follows:
First-Is there a practical basis of
compromises through which the Demo-
Gratis in the House can unite?
Second-Would an equal cut of inter
nal and tariff taxes afford such basis?
Understanding this acceptable, is
it feasible to carry the element of COM
promise into the selection of the tariff
schedule?
Fourth-Are there concessionsaof any
other kind the majority of the party can
offer without sacrifice of prineiple3
F'ifth-Would a caucus further the
mplishment of the desired end2
Speaker Carlisle says in his opinion
the revenue will be reduced at the next
session. The necessity of immediate re-
duction of revenue in order TO prevent
large accumulation is so apparent that
Congress cannot afford to further delay
the consideration of this question.
There will be differences of opinion, but
these can be reconciled on some basis
which will secure substantial relief.
On previous occasion, Mr.. Carlisle
has said, as compromise, he would be
willing to repeal the tax on tobacco if
coupled with repeal of the tariff tax on
the necessaries of life; but on that con-
dition only. This was the attitude of
the entire revenue reform Democrats of
the 4Sth and 10th Congresses, as declared
by resolution adopted in caucus.
Mr.. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, agrees
in this view, and indorses the plan of
administration leadership and co-opera-
ton with the party in Congress.
Mr.. Breckenridge, of Arkansas, says
that the concession to modify the inter-
nal tax, has been offered to the Randall
faction and rejected; and that the latter
has also refused to abide by the caucus
decision. He is opposed to renewing
it.
Mr.. Wise, of Virginia, is opposed to
the internal revenue system, but would
be satisfied with an equal cut of inter-
nal and tariff taxes" He represents a
tobacco constituency.
Mr.. Henderson, of North Carolina,
favors sthe total and unconditional re-
peal of the internal revenue taxes" is
willing to support bill reducing equal
ly the tariff and internal revenue taxes,
but prefers separate bills and separate
vote. Mr.. Henderson represents a
"brandy fruit" constituency.
Mr.. Cox, of New York, "would by all
means cultivate the graces of compro-
mise" on basis of equal reductions of
tariff and internal revenue taxes.
And last, but not least, in view of the
fact that he is the leader of q sufficient
number of tarifffor-protection Demo
Gratis to defeat revenue reform, Mr..
Randall says: I'm reply to your ques-
ton, Would an equal cut of internal
whisky, beer and tobacco) taxes afford
basis of compromised answer in the
negative" Mr. Randall further de
ciares that he is not a protectionist per
&c or free trader per %, and says that
calls for the abolition Of the internal
revenue system, and reduction of
the tariff rate of duties should be mat
ter for separate and distinct considers
ton.
The conclusion which we draw from
the foregoing expressions of leading
members Of the next House Of Repre-
sentatiyes, is not encouraging to the
friends of tar reform. The internal
revenue system is simply tax on
whisky, tobacco and beer; and, If inter-
fered with At all, it should be done BY
the repeal Of the tobacco tax Is an In
dispenssble part Of = plan to reduce the
tariff tax on the necessaries Of life. The